Geography (Physical)

Explore Earth’s diverse landscapes on our Geography (Physical) BSc. From climate systems and change, to glaciers, floods, rising sea levels and volcanoes, you will study the planet’s processes and systems and tackle real-world problems. Through hands-on fieldwork, laboratory classes, and work placement opportunities, you’ll develop the practical skills needed for a wide range of careers in geography including cartographer, environmental consultant, or systems developer.

Why choose this course?

• Geography ranked Top 5 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)

• Top 5 in the UK for Geography (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

• Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic natural environment to perform fieldwork

• Geography and Environmental Sciences No.1 in the West Midlands for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide, 2026)

• No. 1 in the West Midlands for Geography (Daily Mail University Guide, 2026)

How can understanding geography address some of our planet's major concerns? Discover how our Geography (Physical) BSc enhances your knowledge of the natural world by focusing on the Earth’s physical processes, systems, and landscapes, while also improving your research skills and developing the essential practical skills that employers seek in professional geographers.

Our programme has been designed to provide you with a solid grounding in physical geography during year one, laying the foundation for advanced study in years two and three.

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including climate change, geomorphology, hydrology and environmental impact assessment. You’ll explore how natural landscapes are formed and altered over time by investigating interactions between the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. From glacial and coastal environments to the lakes and ecosystems upon which we rely, you will explore how we can manage and protect natural resources including water and energy.

A major part of the curriculum is the practical application of geography. You will gain professional skills using digital, statistical and laboratory-based methods for collecting and analysing geographical data in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs. Through different field courses in the local area, across the UK and optional international activities, you’ll gain hands-on experience in applying these techniques and develop key technical skills using specialist software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing.

You will gain professional skills using digital, statistical and laboratory-based methods for collecting and analysing geographical data in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs. Through different field courses in the local area, across the UK and optional international activities, you’ll gain hands-on experience in applying these techniques.

*We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges)

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.